Options for Prostate Surgery
The prostate gland is located at the base of the bladder if the male body. If the tissues of the gland are swollen, the prostate may need to be surgically removed or destroyed to prevent further complications. There are three major types of prostate surgery; they are transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP, laser prostatectomy, and open prostatectomy. Your doctor’s decision regarding which type of prostate surgery to perform depends on the size of the swollen prostate gland. For example, a gland that is bigger than 30 grams and is less than 80 grams will likely have TURP prostate surgery performed. If the prostate is larger than 90 grams in size, open prostatectomy is the most recommended type of procedure.
Transurethral resection of the prostate is the most common surgical procedure and is performed using spinal epidural or general anesthesia. A cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and up to the prostate gland and a cutting instrument is inserted through the cystoscope tube removing the prostate gland in small pieces. Cauterization is a method used by conducting an electric current to stop the bleeding during the prostate surgery to keep the area clean and lessen the chances of infection.
Laser prostatectomy uses light beams to destroy the swollen prostate tissue that is blocking the opening of the urethra and bladder passage. This prostate surgery usually does not require a hospital stay. After surgery a Foley catheter may be placed to help drain the bladder after surgery for a number of days. Afterward, urine flow should improve and decrease the symptoms related to the inflammation.
Open prostatectomy is performed with an incision that is made in the lower abdomen through which the prostate gland is removed. This is a much more complicated procedure and usually requires a longer hospitalization period and an extended recovery period.
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